Flying into Beautiful Houston

George Bush Intercontinental Airport is the largest hub for United Airlines, with over 700 departures each day, so it's best to check prices of United Airlines flight as a first step. The United Club lounge in Terminal E of the airport was voted the best airport lounge in North America by Priority Pass members, making it an even smarter choice to fly with them.

If you're flying into William P. Hobby Airport, the domestic airport in Houston, then check out Southwest Airlines as a first port of call. This airport is one of their largest hubs, and you can usually find a bargain flight to Houston with them.

Getting to Houston From the Airport

Getting to Houston from either airport is simple. From George Bush Intercontinental Airport, you can hire a rental car from 9 companies at the arrivals hall, you can take a taxi, which should cost roughly $50 to get downtown, the SuperShuttle is an affordable yet slow option to get to your hotel, and the public METRO buses run direct from the airport to downtown.

From William P. Hobby Airport, you'll have a much quicker journey. Taxis are available from Curb Zone 3 outside the baggage claim and cost roughly $25 to get downtown. You can also hire a rental car, or take the SuperShuttle or the public METRO buses.

The Cheapest Time to Fly is Summer

The cheapest time of year to fly into Houston is during summer. Most visitors try to avoid the hot, wet summer months and opt to travel during the cooler winter months instead, making summer flights much cheaper in price. For a less humid time of year while still saving money, opt to travel during spring and fall. Remember that fall is Hurricane Season so keep an eye on the weather reports if you've booked a flight for then.

If possible, try to avoid flying during baseball season. Houston is a large sports town, home of the Major League Baseball team the Houston Astros, and prices jump around game time.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport is Best

Deciding which airport to fly into depends on what will suit you best. George Bush Intercontinental airport is 23 miles north of downtown Houston, but William P. Hobby Airport is only seven miles south of downtown. If you're looking for the least amount of hassle and travel time, and will be flying domestically William P. Hobby Airport will be your best bet. If you're flying internationally, or you're on a tight budget then George Bush Intercontinental Airport is the best option for you. With so many flights passing through the airport each day, prices are generall cheaper.

Visitors can remove the frustrating hour-long wait in a customs line at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. It's one of just 20 airports in the United States to have a Global Entry kiosk -- it can turn that hour-long wait into just 40 seconds. In terms of customer satisfaction, George Bush Intercontinental Airport wins again. In 2008, it ranked fourth for customer satisfaction in North American airports in a study run by J.D. Power and Associates, as well as being voted the fourth best airport in the country by Global Traveler magazine.

Events to Coincide Your Visit To Experience

Houston has plenty of events running throughout the year, appealing to visitors of all genders, nationalities and ages. Two of the biggest conventions in Houston are the Offshore Technology Conference in May, and the Houston International Quilt Festival at the end of October, the latter involving 50,000 people flying into town to discuss the finer aspects of quilting.

During the winter, many travelers visit the city to gaze at the Christmas celebrations. Go ice skating at the ice rink at the Galleria by the enormous Christmas tree. Thanksgiving is a large celebration too, with a thrilling parade, performances and fireworks.